I think I might regret this...

...I've entered this event www.toughguy.co.uk on1st February, self-proclaimed "toughest test of its kind anywhere in the world."

Last time I did it:

• It was sub-zero
• 40% of entrants failed to finish
• I was 15 years, 10lb, 2 kids, and 1 full-time job lighter
• I had to put up with years of jokes about being a "tough guy"

 

So why would I do it again? 
A window of opportunity has opened up. In recognition of its good work, for a limited period only, the UK government has pledged to match all donations from UK residents made to my favourite charity. SolarAid works in Africa to alleviate poverty through the promotion of solar power. Its stated aim is to "eradicate the use of the kerosene lamp in Africa by 2020". 

These are my top five reasons for supporting it:
1. It's focused - they have a clear, ambitious, achievable goal.
2. It's sustainable - the solar lamps are sold at market rates. The money donated goes into developing markets for the lamps (distribution infrastructure, impact research and demand education) which then become self-sustaining and a pathway into further solar investment and energy access.
3. It's impactful - on a small and large scale - for each lamp over its life, the typical family saves £130 by switching from kerosene to solar, report improved health, increased happiness and 1,246 extra hours of child study time; it is estimated that 600 million people in Africa have no access to electricity.
4. It's measurable - SolarAid work by putting research at the heart of what they do so they know what works, what doesn't and what the impact is. They are not reliant on anecdote and instinct. They are currently working on studies with the likes of Stanford University and Google to further understand their impact.
5. (in the words of Austin Powers) It's the future, baby - when you start hearing and reading about the decentralised power generation revolution in the developing world, you heard it here first. Be a part of that.

You can learn more at www.solar-aid.org

And in case that isn't enough, I'll be matching all donations up to my target on a post-tax basis so that along with the UKAid matching, for every £10 you donate, SolarAid will receive almost £60! (Maths available on request), and that's not even including Barclays matching the first £1,000 raised.

If there is anyone else you know who you suspect might be interested in potentially almost sextupling their money for this cause then please share the link.